Robert Helmacy

I have enjoyed playing under the baton of plenty of conductors, but none as much as Bob Helmacy. He loved to challenge the orchestra with his music selections. He found a way to make every sectional player a better performer while crafting a precise sound and style at every rehearsal. One concert we performed, nearly 20 years ago, included "Lyric for Strings", by George Walker. Bob invited George to the performance, which was the first concert of the 57th season. Afterwards, George told Bob...

Shared with Your friends Rest in musical peace, Bob Helmacy Oh my, where to begin? Bob Helmacy was THE most consequential teacher/mentor in my life, with Martin Smith, Gerry Schwarz, and Jim Buchanan running a very close second. When I moved to Caldwell in the summer of 1968, Keith Brion, then JCHS band director with whom I studied flute since 3rd grade, and who was the reason my mom chose to move us to Caldwell, said "we have too many flutes and not enough French Horns", to which I asked...